Enter the Australians
Because the South Africans did so well in Australia, because the shock team of Lindwall and Miller is probably past its best and is not certainly fit, because Trueman scattered the Indians, many Englishmen have believed all winter that we should win this summer's Tests; and their optimism has not diminished now that the Australians have actually arrived. Let us hope that events will justify it. But there are doubts. Past their best or not, Lindwall and Miller can still be the best fast bowling pair in the world if they are fit. Miller is undoubtedly the world's best all-rounder. Harvey—we would call him " young " Harvey if the Australians had not brought over the unknown, seventeen year old Ian Craig—looked like becoming a world beater when he was over here four years ago and though his performances since have been less remarkable than his promise be may yet flower into another MacCartney. England have Hutton, the world's best batsman. In May and Graveney they have stroke .players of immense promise. In Trueman they have a bowler who is really fast and who will be great if he becomes accurate. In Evans they have a superb wicket-keeper. But there is no slow left arm bowler as yet— no Rhodes or Verity; there is as yet no satisfactory opening partner for Hutton—no Sutcliffe for his Hobbs; and no sturdy Leyland at number five. Compton may recover his form, Shepherd may fulfil his promise. But obviously there are buts. So though our prospects are better than they have been for years, perhaps a little rain at the right moments would be useful.
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